“Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball coach Bobby Lutz, the winningest coach in school history, was fired today after his team failed to make postseason play in the NCAA or National Invitation tournaments for the second consecutive season.”

Read more by Jim Utter at the Observer.

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon! Come and connect with Charlotte’s cultural and entertainment community in the Center City at the Ritz-Carlton, March 20, 3 – 6 p.m. There will be live music by Rock ’N’ Roll dueling pianists from Howl at the Moon, light hors d’oeuvres, displays and demonstrations by some of Charlotte’s premier cultural organizations such as Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, Arts and Science Council, McColl Center for Visual Art, North Carolina Dance Theatre and more.

Don’t miss the Early Bird Door Prize from Tiffany’s at 3:15 p.m. RSVP by this Sunday, March 15 by sending me an email. There will be a $10 charge per person to secure each reservation, which is required. Casual dress, no jeans please.

This event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, Howl at the Moon, McColl Center for Visual Art, North Carolina Dance Theatre, and The Ritz Carlton of Charlotte.

Visit our Facebook page for more info.

Google unveiled bicycling directions in their Maps application today during the National Bike Summit in Washington.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit that creates trails from old rail lines, has partnered with Google to provide bike trail information in over 150 US cities, including Charlotte.

The new cycling maps show routes including dedicated bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.

Go check it out! A little more info over at NYT blog, Gadgetwise.

Did you know Charlotte in the 2000 Census only had 63-68% participation rates? It’s true. Think about all of the federal money we missed out on because people didn’t return their census!!!!

Lately the 2010 Census Bureau has been hitting the airwaves, billboards and tv ads pretty hard to encourage people to complete the paperwork the Bureau sends. I know I personally got mail yesterday reminding me that the form is on it’s way so you might have also seen that.

They’ve been stressing how important it is that our community get the best shot it can at the $400 billion dollars in federal funding that is on the line. What they aren’t doing is advertising some things as strongly that I feel are just as important. So, here’s my list of the top 5 most important things to know about the 2010 census:

1. It’s important that you report everyone in the household, including infants. The census is only taken once a decade. By the time the next census comes around those babies will be kids and they deserve the benefit of a community with adequate funding while they grow up! Don’t forget to include them!
2. In terms of your privacy, here’s what it’s illegal for the U.S. Census Bureau to publish or disclose:
   

   • Names
   • Addresses including GPS coordinates
   • Social Security numbers
   • Telephone numbers

   Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties. In addition, other federal laws, including the Confidential Statistical Efficiency Act and the Privacy Act reinforce these protections. * Private information is never published

3. It’s really selfish to refuse to complete the 2010 Census information as a political protest. Why? Because the Census isn’t micromanaged by the Whitehouse. It reports to the Secretary of Commerce. Yes the information reaches the President in a report but those with political qualms with the Nation’s Leadership are hurting their neighbors by denying them the chance at federal money for better  hospitals, improved schools and senior centers, more job training centers, etc. If you don’t like your lot in the community now, it’s definitely not going to improve if you refuse to fill out the census form, regardless of who is in office or what party currently holds the most influence.
4. Since the very first census in 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau has always counted all people, regardless of citizenship status. Which brings us to:
5. The US Census is prohibited by law to give the information you report about your household to Immigration (or any other government agency for that matter).
   

   All Census Bureau employees take the oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

So, Charlotte, I know you know it’s important to fill out the forms the U.S. Census Bureau sends but the above are not only reasons why but also hopefully shed some light on this national endeavor launched this month. I hope it was helpful!

Additional reading: http://www.census.gov/

Do you know something important I didn’t mention or have an interesting  story about this census?  We’d would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

FEATURED POST RESPONSE:

Matt Comer, editor @ Q Notes, North and South Carolina’s prominent LGBT media source, left a really informative response to this post! This is definitely another very important thing to know about the 2010 U.S. Census! Thanks Matt!  – Desiree

“It never was a very good nickname.

And now, Charlotte’s NBA franchise can get rid of it.

With Michael Jordan in as the Charlotte Bobcats’ new owner and Bob Johnson out, there’s no reason to call the team the ‘Bobcats’ anymore.”

Read more by Scott Fowler at the Observer.

Perhaps you’ve seen his sketches and paintings hanging in Black Sheep Skate Shop or on the underbelly of their custom skate decks, or perhaps you’ve come across one of his irreverent stickers on a bench around town. If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Chalkboard’s mark in any of those non-traditional art viewing spaces, then you can check out his new collection at Gallery Twenty-Two this month. Open since November 2009, the bar slash lounge slash coffee house slash art gallery isn’t exactly traditional itself, but provides a unique and refreshing art experience for Charlotte.

The new show, “Simple Art for Simple People,” features works by local artists Chalkboard and Tyler Baum. Located in the heart of Plaza-Midwood and owned by Lise Barnett and Rodney Raines, Twenty-Two strives to bring new forms and ideas to the Charlotte art scene. Artists in their own right, Lise and Rodney felt that many of the galleries in Charlotte were too restricted with their exhibits. They’ve taken from experiences in other cities to create a place here for art beyond “Charleston beach scenes” that is also a cool place to hang out. Lise says, “We’re not like any other galleries around. Nothing is ever going to be taboo here.” In their latest exhibit they stay true to just that.

Chalkboard describes his work as “funny and sick.” He draws inspiration from old cartoons and adds offbeat and subtle humor to create color intensive pop art reflective of the skateboarding and music culture he lives in. He says, “I don’t consider myself an artist, artist, artist type person. I just like doing it and making something to laugh at.”

Don’t miss his signature screaming guys (life size for this show) shouting one-liner rifts on local places and be sure to check out the titles of each piece. The titles alone can elicit a laugh acting as a cartoon punch line and creating an entirely different perspective for the piece.

In the future, look for “balloons and bigger” from Chalkboard. In Twenty Two’s future, look for shows from … Jerry Russell and Robert Page (paintings) in April, comic art in conjunction with Heroes Convention in May, and Zachary Sessions (woodworking) in June. There are also plans in the works for a live graffiti show and patio opening in spring/summer 2010.

“Simple Art for Simple People” runs until March 28, 2010. Free. All pieces are for sale. Chalkboard’s run $60 to $200 and Tyler Baum’s run $35 to $1500.

Twenty-Two is open 12pm to 2am Wednesday through Sunday.

What: Artist Reception, Afterparty at Snug Harbor
When: March 6, 2010, 7:00 p.m. til late
Where: Gallery Twenty-Two
Cost: free and open to the public

More photos of Chalkboard prepping for show and Twenty-Two:

view these photos on Flickr

Despite their intense loyalty to Jake Delhomme over the years, including when his critics were screaming loudest, the Carolina Panthers made the painful move Thursday night to cut ties with one of their signature players and release their veteran quarterback.

More at the Charlotte Observer

Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the Panthers? I am really surprised by this news, but I think we can actually move ahead and start a new era in Panthers football. Oh Happy Day!!!

Cedar Posts first posted a story about the naming of the eaglet Tuesday, saying:

More than 800 names were submitted in WCNC’s “Name the Eaglet contest” and the Carolina Raptor Center has narrowed the list down to five names including “Noah”.

Cedar Posts can’t imagine a tribute to a fallen Marine more fitting than the naming an Eagle in his memory. What a wonderful day it will be, when we all can watch “Noah” take flight, to soar over the country that Lance Corporal Noah M. Pier gave his life to defend.

This morning, Bill Fehr also posted the story of the eaglet naming on his blog. Fehr, a local bicycle messenger, blogger, and Gulf War veteran, recently blogged about his experience meeting Lance Corporal Pier’s family at the visitation.

Vote here for one of the five finalists for the name of the new baby eagle. According to the website, the deadline to submit your favorite name is Monday, March 8 at 12 p.m. EST.  The winning name will be announced Monday, March 8 on WCNC.com and NewsChannel 36.

Read the rest of this entry »

Ri-Ra, the quintessential Irish pub here that closed after a devastating fire on May 23 of last year, has reopened after an extensive restoration, just in time for a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration.  Rí Rá (208 N. Tryon Street, www.rira.com, 704-333-5554) is open 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM daily, serving lunch and dinner, with Irish-style brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s been a long, arduous, but ultimately rewarding process restoring the pub to its original authenticity,” stated David Kelly, co-founder and -owner of Rí Rá. “My partner Ciaran Sheehan and his master Irish craftsmen have meticulously refurbished every piece of our antique furnishings, while making some timely updates to an establishment now in its second decade.  Our customers will find the same genuine Irish pub atmosphere and service, in addition to enhanced menu and entertainment offerings.”

The 7500-square-foot Rí Rá debuted in March 1997 and quickly became a stalwart on the dining and nightlife scene for locals as well as visitors.  The pub’s name means uproar or hubbub, taken from the phrase “Rí Rá agus Ruaile Buaile,” which roughly translates as devilment, good fun, or any social activity that improves with fine food and drink.  Adding to the pub’s authentic milieu are numerous natives of Ireland among the staff.

Original fixtures reclaimed from layers of soot include the Victorian bar, built in the early 1800s for the officer’s mess in the Phoenix Park Barracks in Dublin, removed in 1920 and stored in a Dublin garage for over 70 years before becoming the centerpiece of the original Rí Rá.  It survives with other antiquities such as a restored Guinness mirror; exquisite etched glass panels dating to the early 1800s; a collection of Dublin Corporation Ledgers from 1800-1840 available for pub patrons’ perusal; and a statue of St. Patrick, origins unknown but aged well over 100 years, which presides over the bar.

To replace components of the pub that couldn’t be saved, Sheehan again sourced vintage pieces from Ireland and sailed them across the Atlantic to find a home in just the right spot in the revitalized establishment.  A stunning example is the foyer’s hardwood parquet floor, salvaged from Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built.

Rí Rá manager Spencer Brantley handles bookings for private parties; the two-story facility can accommodate groups up to 200 people.  Updated lighting, sound, and electronic components put the spotlight on Rí Rs ongoing entertainment options such as the perennially popular Pub Quiz trivia contests, live Irish music, and sports programming, as well as special events such as oyster festivals.  Rᒭ Rá will participate in Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 13, helming a float, dispensing coupons, and featuring live music in the pub from 12 noon into late night.

The sparkling renovated kitchen is the crafting place of an enhanced menu from Chef Tom LaFauci that features traditional Irish fare as well as regional favorites, many with a contemporary twist and all with a focus on quality and authenticity.  Fresh seafood and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients pair with signature items such as house-brined corned beef, custom-ground burgers, daily baked Irish soda bread, and award-winning Beef ‘N Guinness Stew.

Other traditional pub dishes include Fish & Chips, featuring beer-battered fresh haddock and the kitchen’s hand-cut traditional Irish potato chips; hearty Shepherd’s Pie; Steak & Chips, a 12 oz. NY strip with Cognac butter and malt vinegar mayo dipping sauce; Emigrant’s Corned Beef & Cabbage; and the Traditional Irish Breakfast served at lunch and dinner—a proper fry-up of eggs, Irish sausages, rashers (bacon), black & white puddings, grilled tomato, and pan-roasted mushrooms.  These join contemporary bistro items on the menu such as Steamed Mussels in whiskey garlic butter, white wine, fresh herbs, and crostini; and Broiled Haddock with a savory lemon crumb topping over Parmesan roast potatoes and baby spinach in pan sauce.

Lunch standouts include pan-seared Irish Potato Cakes served with balsamic reduction and savory sour cream and touted in one review as “ethereal cylinders of light potato and cheese, crisp on the outside and fluffy within.”  Rí Rs signature sandwich, the Publicanᒒs Reuben, boasts thin-sliced, house-brined beef brisket, crisp sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Marie Rose sauce on grilled rye.  The pub’s ½ lb., house-ground burger selections include the Guinness BBQ Burger with the pub’s famous tangy Guinness BBQ sauce, melted Cheddar, and crispy onion rings; and the Paddy Melt topped with grilled Irish rasher, melted Cheddar, and caramelized onions on grilled rye with a side of Marie Rose sauce.

Dessert here carries on the theme with options like the Guinness Sundae, vanilla ice cream over a warm Black & Tan brownie topped with Guinness chocolate sauce, toasted walnuts, and whipped cream.

Saturday and Sunday brunch adds specialties to the lunch menu such as the Irish Benedict, featuring twin pan-fried potato cakes, Irish rashers, poached eggs, hollandaise, home fries, and grilled tomato.

Rí Rs full bar features a wide array of imported and hand-crafted beers and a variety of spirits and wine selections.  The pub also serves Bewleyᒒs Teas of Ireland and classic bistro French press coffee.

The pub’s popular Sandwich Bar on Hearst Plaza has reopened as well, offering freshly prepared, ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads along with a build-it-yourself salad bar Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Rí Rs owners and long-time team members have been heartened by the support and interest of the pubᒒs many fans who have followed the restoration process with great anticipation of the reopening.  “People have fond memories of Rí Rá,” explained Sheehan, “and in the current time of turmoil and change, people are looking for familiar reliables—authenticity, community, and quality.  We’re proud and thrilled to once again offer those to our patrons.”

About the Owners

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan have been close friends since they were 14 years old.  The two lads took an early interest in pubs when they’d meet at Toner’s Pub on Merrion Row before going to rugby matches.  They immigrated separately to America.  Kelly and Sheehan have stuck to their original goal and made each Rí Rá pub unique.

Prior to co-founding Rí Rá, Sheehan worked as a project manager for architectural firms in Holland, Belgium, the U.S., and Ireland, where he specialized in the renovation of historic homes and castles and even contributed to residences for U2 band members.  Sheehan was offered a position with a firm in Florida that served clients such as Universal Studios, Church Street Station, and Pointe Orlando.

Kelly’s marketing background guided him through 11 years with Guinness, where he received the International Gold Advertising Award for the “I Believe” campaign and redefined Guinness advertising with “Anticipation.”

Sheehan currently resides in Raleigh, NC, while Kelly calls Waterford, Ireland, home.

video: Justin Ruckman; watch in HD on YouTube (recommended)

Last week we had a chance to catch up with Vancouver-based photographer, web guru and man-about-town, Kris Krug (@kk). His deep involvement in Vancouver’s tech, media & creative scenes made him a natural tour guide, which isn’t to say he doesn’t get out of the city: a quick glance at his popular Flickr account shows photos from the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, TEDxVancouver, SXSW, Pop!Tech, An Event Apart, and a handful of recent BarCamps in Vancouver and Shanghai.

We met up by the steam clock in Gastown, walked down to the Woodward’s redevelopment project, and then over to the W2 Culture+Media House, a break-out 4-story coworking and event space geared specifically for citizen media production, press conferences and art exhibition. From there we walked down a few blocks to the red tent protest, which at the time was just getting started.

Take a moment to watch all 14-ish minutes of this video (in HD), it’s worth it.